This one is from my mommy and my aunt who used to force me to give this to my baby. Although I was hesitant at first I started using this herb after consulting my doctor. The herb itself looks like a small shriveled bark and has a good odor. In Tamil it’s called Vasambu or “Pillai valarpan” which means you can grow your baby with this herb. “sweet flag” in English, bach in Hindi.
You can see more about this herb on wiki here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorus_calamus
How to use this herb:
Just burn it over a flame/lamp and rub this charred herb on a stone with some water or breastmilk. This is the basic paste for all ailments.
For Colic Infants:
Just take a little paste on your finger tip and rub it on the baby’s tongue every morning. Or try elcarim drops which contains this herb. Reviewed here.
For Loose motions
Mix this paste with honey and again rub on the baby or kids’s toungue
For Vomitting
Mix this paste with milk or breastmilk and place some on the tongue.
Natural Insecticide:
Tie this herb to a string and place around the baby’s neck or waist to ward off insects.
Homemade Kajal
Many of us Indians put a black tikka/bindi on the baby’s forehead and legs as it is believed to protect the baby from evil eye. You can apply this herb paste on the forehead instead of store bought kajal.
Other uses: Used to treat Speech disorders and known to build the child’s intellect.
Availability: You can find it in Ayurveda stores or Kotakkal stores. Bangalore people can find this in Malleshwaram and Shivajinagar. Mail me if your looking for the correct address.
The herb has to be burned over a flame. If you have more just put some in your own cupboards to keep insects away.
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